On the Lime Content of Phanerogamic Parasites, 



BY 

 K. Aso. 



Of phanerogamic parasites, only one, Ciiscuta europcea, has 

 thus far been examined with regard to the composition of the 

 ash. When compared with other phanerogamic plants, the 

 striking fact was revealed that this ash is exceedingly poor in 

 lime, containing only about 2%; while its host, the clover, is 

 rich in lime, yielding an ash containing about 30 — 36%. The 

 fact that parasites being devoid of chlorophyll require less lime 

 than green plants, is of much interest. Seedlings require less 

 lime as long as they have no chlorophyll. Further, etiolated 

 leaves of Vicia faba contain less lime than the green leaves. 1 

 According to Church, 3 also less lime (and more potassa) is 

 present in albino leaves than in normal ones. 



These facts agree well with the inference that not only the 

 nuclei but also the chlorophyll-bodies, require lime. I had 

 therefore believed it of interest to investigate in this respect 

 another phanerogamic plant without chlorophyll, and selected 

 Gastrodia elata Bl., an orchid. 



This plant is characteristic of Asia and is not found in 

 Europe. It occurs frequently on the main island of Japan. :< 

 The stemlike, brownish peduncle which has some scales comes 

 fortli from the ground in the spring and reaches 60 — 70 cm. in 

 height; in June appear some yellowish brown flowers which 

 yield capsules with numerous very small seeds. The under- 

 ground part consists chiefly of a rhizome covered with scales 



1 Talladin, Ber. d. Djut. Bot. Ges., Vol. X., p. 170. 



* Jour. Chem. Soc, 1878 and 1886. 



* Near Nikko it is very frequent. 



